Connector and connector insert for protecting conductor spring-elements

ABSTRACT

A connector, and connector insert, configured to inhibit plastic deformation of at least one of the axially projecting fingers of an outer conductor basket associated with a connector. The connector insert comprises: (i) an outwardly facing flange configured to engage a shoulder formed at a base of the axially projecting fingers of the outer conductor basket, (ii) a tubular structure defining an elongate axis and having plurality of engagement sections extending normal to the outwardly facing flange, each engagement section having a surface disposed substantially normally to a radial projecting from the elongate axis; and (iii) a plurality of stiffening sections having a surface disposed substantially parallel to a radial projecting from the elongate axis. The engagement sections function to prevent plastic deformation of the axially projecting fingers, thereby preventing damage to the fingers and/or the transmission of RF signals The stiffening sections function to support the engagement sections while furthermore preventing the insertion of a non-mating second connector into, or against, the outer conductor basket of a first connector.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunications systems often employ hardline connectors for datatransfer between telecom components, e.g., a Remote Radio Unit (RRU) anda telecommunications sector antenna. These hardline connectors oftenemploy an arrangement of spring-biased fingers/elements for making therequisite electrical connections, e.g., signal or electrical groundconnections, from one connector to a mating connector. One type ofconnector, known as a 4.3-10 Connector, commonly employs amulti-fingered inner conductor socket surrounded by a multi-fingeredouter connector basket which receive an inner conductor pin and an outerconductor sleeve, respectively, of an adjoining/opposing connector.

The geometric similarity between connectors, in combination with thedifficulty associated with physically making an electrical connection,i.e., fifty (50) feet in the air, can cause Linemen toimproperly/incorrectly join connectors. While connectors which do notproperly mate will, in most instances, not be able to be joined (i.e.,to affect a viable telecommunications connection), the attempt alone candamage or, otherwise distort, at least one of the conductors.

Particularly vulnerable are the fingers of the outer conductor basket.For example, a Mini-Din connector, which is also an RF connector used inthe telecommunications industry, is sufficiently similar in appearancethat one might inadvertently try to connect a Mini-Din plug to a 4.3-10jack. Unfortunately, when applying the requisite force to establish theconnection, the structure of the Mini-Din plug may press against andforce the finger elements of the 4.3-10 outer conductor basket in anoutwardly direction. Not only does this cause an improper RF connection,but it can damage the 4.3-10 jack, requiring that it be replaced.Inasmuch as the connector is, most often, an integral component of anelectronic component, e.g., a Remote Radio Unit or an antenna, aseemingly small amount of damage to the connector can incapacitate avery costly piece of telecommunications equipment, i.e., a componentwhich may cost between $20K to $40K to replace.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome, or otherwise lessen the effectsof, the disadvantages and shortcomings described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the following Brief Descriptionof the Drawings and Detailed Description.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a 4.3-10 connector including: (a) a firstconnector or connector portion comprising a multi-fingered innerconductor socket surrounded by multi-fingered outer conductor basket,(b) a second connector or connector portion comprising an innerconductor pin surrounded by a cylindrical sleeve, and (c) a corrugated,pedal-shaped cylindrical wall or tube disposed between the socket andthe basket configured to: (i) inhibit plastic deformation of the axiallyprojecting fingers of the outer conductor basket should a matingconnector be insert at a damaging angle or inclination, or (ii) preventinsertion of a non-mating connector between the socket and the basket soas to protect/support the outer conductor basket.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, isolated, perspective view of the insertaccording to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, isolated, side view of the insert according tothe teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, isolated, front view of the insert according tothe teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a partially broken away, sectional view of the first connectorincluding an insert disposed between the inner conductor socket and theouter conductor basket to inhibit, block or reject attempts to mateimproperly-sized connectors along with the potentially damagingconsequences to the basket fingers of the outer conductor.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partially broken away and sectioned view of thefirst connector depicted in FIG. 5 to facilitate illustration of therelationship between, and the various features of, the basket fingersand the connector insert.

FIG. 7 depicts a view of a non-mating connector being rejected orinhibited by the insert during an attempt to join the incompatibleconnectors.

FIG. 8 depicts a view of the first and second connectors being joined ata potentially damaging angle of inclination, and the role of the insertto protect the basket fingers by preventing excessive strain or plasticdeformation thereof so as to maintain the elastic properties of thebasket fingers for subsequent connection with the outer conductivesleeve of the second connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a connector is provided comprisinga center or inner conductor socket, an outer conductor basket and aninhibitor or insert disposed between the inner conductor socket and theouter conductor basket. The inner conductor socket transmits RF signalsfrom one connector portion to another connector portion across a matinginterface. The outer conductor basket comprises a plurality of axiallyprojecting fingers configured to electrically ground the connector. Theinhibitor comprises an insert disposed along the outwardly facingsurface of the outer conductor basket to prevent damage to the axiallyprojecting fingers in an unassembled condition/state, thereby ensuringelectrical connectivity of the fingers in an assembled condition/state.Functionally, the insert prohibits insertion of a non-mating connectorso as to prevent plastic deformation of the axially projecting fingersand permanent distortion thereof which would otherwise prevent a properelectrical connection between the fingers of the basket and acylindrical outer conductor sleeve of a mating connector. Specifically,the insert is configured to prevent one of the following: (i) insertionof a non-mating connector between the socket and basket of the otherconnector, (ii) misalignment of a pair of mating connectors duringassembly of the connectors, and (iii) plastic deformation of at leastone of the axially projecting fingers of the mating connectors.

In another embodiment, a connector insert is configured to inhibitplastic deformation of at least one of the axially projecting fingers ofan outer conductor basket associated with one of the connectors. Theconnector insert comprises: (i) an outwardly facing flange configured toengage a shoulder formed at a base of the axially projecting fingers ofthe outer conductor basket, (ii) a tubular structure defining anelongate axis and having plurality of engagement sections extendingnormal to the outwardly facing flange, and (iii) a plurality ofstiffening sections having a surface disposed substantially parallel toa radial projecting from the elongate axis. Each of the engagementsections also have a surface disposed substantially normally to a radialprojecting from the elongate axis.

The engagement sections function to prevent plastic deformation of theaxially projecting fingers, thereby preventing damage to the fingersand/or the transmission of RF signals. The stiffening sections functionto support the engagement sections, while furthermore, preventing theinsertion of a non-mating second connector into, or against, the outerconductor basket of a first connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A connector is described including first and second connectors orconnector portions each comprising electrically-connecting inner andouter conductors. While the connector includes first and second matingconnector portions, it should be understood and appreciated that, in thecontext used herein, a “connector” means either or both of the connectorportions.

The following describes a connector, for example, a 4.3-10 connector,and a protective insert for inhibiting or mitigating damage to amulti-fingered spring-biased outer conductor basket of the connector.While the insert is particularly useful for 4.3-10 connectors, it shouldbe appreciated that the protective insert, and the teachings associatetherewith, are equally applicable to a wide-variety oftelecommunications/signal connectors. The protective insert of thepresent disclosure has utility when the 4.3-10 connector is unassembled,and/or is being prepared for assembly. Specifically, the insert preventsdamage to a first connector in the event that a non-mating secondconnector, i.e., a connector of a different size or variety, such as aMini-Din connector, is forcibly urged into engagement with the firstconnector. As such, the protective insert may prevent a costly error.

In FIG. 1, a pair of mating connectors 10 is depicted including a firstconnector 12 and a second connector 14 each having an inner conductor 16and an outer conductor 18. An inhibitor or insert 20 is disposed incombination with at least one of the connectors 12, and in theillustrated embodiment, the insert 20 is disposed between amulti-fingered inner conductor socket 16, and a multi-fingered outerconductor basket 18 of the first connector 12. The 4.3-10 connectors 10of the type described herein may have an impedance of about fifty Ohms(50Ω) with a frequency range of between about one kilohertz (1.0 kHz) toabout six gigahertz (6.0 GHz.), although variations to the connectorparameters are possible and within the scope of the disclosure.

In FIGS. 2 and 6, the individual fingers 16 f of the inner conductorsocket 16 are spring-biased inwardly such that the fingers 16 f maycollectively capture or frictionally engage an inner conductor pin (notseen) of the second connector 14. Conversely, the individual fingers 18f of the outer conductor basket 18 are spring-biased outwardly such thatthe fingers 18 f may collectively capture or frictionally engage anouter conductor sleeve of the second connector 14.

In FIGS. 2 through 6, the insert 20 defines an outwardly facing flange24 configured to engage a shoulder 26 formed at the base of the axiallyprojecting fingers 18 f of the outer conductor basket 18. Furthermore,the outwardly facing flange 24 defines an aperture 28 (see FIGS. 2, 4and 6) configured to receive the axially projecting fingers 16 f of theinner conductor socket 16 (best seen in FIG. 6). Finally, the insert 20comprises a corrugated, wave, or pedal-shaped tubular structure 30defining an elongate axis A (projecting normally from a plane defined bythe outwardly facing flange 24,) i.e., out of the page with respect toFIG. 4.

The corrugated, wave or pedal-shaped tube 30, furthermore, definesoutwardly bulging, engagement sections 46, and inwardly projecting,stiffening sections 48 which vary in radial dimension R from theelongate axis A. To facilitate the subsequent narrative, each outwardlybulging section will be referred to as an “engagement section” and eachinwardly projecting section will be referred to as a “stiffeningsection”. In the described embodiment, the engagement section 46includes a substantially arcuate, outwardly-facing surface 46S, which isdisposed substantially normal to a radial line RL projecting from theelongate axis A. Each engagement section 46 functions to oppose theinward radial displacement of the axially projecting fingers 18 f of theouter conductor basket 18 such that the displacement, or elongation, ofthe axially projecting fingers 18 f does not extend into the plasticregion or into the plastic deformation range of the strain allowable,i.e., the non-linear portion of the strain curve. That is, theengagement section 46 limits the displacement of the axially projectingfingers 18 f such that the deformation remains in the elastic region ofthe material, i.e., does not extend into the plastic deformation rangeof the material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 20 includes at least three (3)engagement sections, each spanning a first arcuate region alpha α and atleast three (3) stiffening sections each spanning a second arcuateregion Beta β. More specifically, each of the first arcuate regionsalpha α may span an arc of at least about nighty-degrees (90) whereaseach of the second arcuate regions Beta β may span an arc of at leastabout thirty (30) degrees. The illustrated embodiment depicts a total ofsix (6) engagement sections 46, and six (6) stiffening sections 48wherein the latter form V-shaped notches between adjacent pairs ofengagement sections 46. Each of the first arcuate regions alpha α spanan arc of about thirty (30) degrees whereas each of the second arcuateregions Beta β span an arc of about twenty (20) degrees. About ten (10)degrees is dedicated to the transition between the engagement andstiffening sections 46, 48 or about five (5) degrees to either side ofeach engagement and stiffening section 46, 48.

To minimize the impact that the insert 20 has on the impedanceproperties of the connector 10, the stiffening sections 48 are distallyspaced from the fingers 16 f of the socket 16. More specifically, thestiffening sections 48 stop short of projecting inwardly toward thesocket 16 and leave a gap between socket 16 and each stiffening section48. In the described embodiment, the stiffening sections 48 extendinwardly to a radius which is less than about one-half (½P) of the totalradius R extending from the elongate axis A to the outer surface of thetubular structure 30. More specifically, the stiffening sections 48extend inwardly to a radius which is less than about two-thirds (⅔rds)of the total radius R. As such, the insert 20 has a singular tube 30with a plurality of V-shaped stiffening sections or ribs 48 which do notextend or connect to an inner ring or sleeve.

Moreover, each of the stiffening sections 48 project radially inwardlyrelative to the engagement sections 46 and function to enhance thebuckling stability of each engagement section 46. In addition toproviding buckling stability, each of the stiffening sections 48 inhibitor prevent the insertion of a non-mating connector (see FIG. 7) into theannular-shaped cavity between the inner conductor socket 16 and theouter conductor basket 18 of the connector 12. The increased bendingstiffness of the tubular structure 30 also prevents the axiallyprojecting fingers 18 f from deformation into the plastic range of thematerial elongation properties while promoting axial alignment of themating connectors 12, 14. The features and function of the connector 10,along with its insert 20, are shown and described in connection withFIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 depicts an assembly view of a non-mating second connector 54being joined with the first connector 12. The view shows the cylindricalsleeve 56 abutting the leading or top surface 58 of the insert 20. Whilethe male and female threads, 60 and 62, respectively, may be compatible,the insert 20 prevents the threads 60, 62 from engaging. As such, thereis no opportunity for the axially projecting fingers 18 f to be spreador damaged by the outer conductor sleeve of the non-mating secondconnector 54.

FIG. 8 depicts a view of the first and second connectors 12, 14 beingjoined at a potentially damaging angle or inclination. Similar to theprior example, the role of the insert 20 is the protection of the basketfingers 18 f. In this particular example, greater emphasis is placed onthe exposure of the fingers 18 f to excessive strain or plasticdeformation. More specifically, the insert 20 is sufficiently rigid orstiff such that the fingers 18 f are never exposed to a high level ofstrain, i.e., a level which would plastically deform a finger of thebasket 18. Accordingly, the insert 20 promotes realignment of theconnectors 12, 14 rather than damage to one of the connectors 12, 14.That is, the outer conductor sleeve 64 is guided into alignment by theinsert 20.

Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments describedabove, where one or more of its components, functionalities orstructures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or moreof the components, functionalities or structures of a differentembodiment described above.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to theembodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishingits intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes andmodifications be covered by the appended claims.

Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed inthe foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in theart that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure willcome to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of theteaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings.It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specificembodiments disclosed herein above, and that many 50 modifications andother embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein,as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a genericand descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the presentdisclosure, nor the claims which follow.

1. In a connector having a pair of mating connectors configured totransmit RF signals across an interface, at least one of the matingconnectors comprising: an inner conductor socket for transmitting the RFsignals from one mating connector to the other mating connector; anouter conductor basket, configured to electrically ground the respectiveone of the mating connectors; the inner conductor socket and the outerconductor basket each having a plurality of axially projecting fingersseparated by a plurality of axial slots; and, an inhibitor interposingthe inner conductor socket and the outer conductor basket and comprisingan insert including an outwardly facing flange configured to engage ashoulder formed at the base of the axially projecting fingers of theouter conductor basket and defining a corrugated tube projectingnormally from a plane defined by the outwardly facing flange, thecorrugated tube having outwardly bulging and inwardly projectingsections which vary in radial dimension from the elongate axis, theinsert configured to prevent one of the: (i) insertion of a non-matingconnector between the socket and basket of the other mating connectorand (ii) misalignment of the pair of mating connectors during assemblyof the mating connectors, wherein the insert inhibits plasticdeformation of at least one of the axially projecting fingers of themating connectors and promotes alignment of the mating connectors. 2.The connector of claim 1 wherein the outwardly facing flange includes anaperture configured to receive the axially projecting fingers of aninner conductor socket.
 3. The connector of claim 1 wherein theoutwardly bulging sections include at least three (3) arcuate sectionsspanning a first arcuate region α and at least three (3) inwardlyprojecting regions spanning a second arcuate region β, the first regionbeing larger than the second region.
 4. The connector of claim 1 whereinthe corrugated tube defines a length along the elongate axiscorresponding to the length of the axially projecting fingers.
 5. Theconnector of claim 1 wherein the length of the corrugated tubecorresponds an engagement length of the axially projecting fingers.
 6. Aconnector configured to transmit RF signals across an interface,comprising: an inner conductor socket for transmitting the RF signalsfrom one mating connector to the other mating connector; an outerconductor basket, configured to electrically ground the respective oneof the mating connectors; the inner conductor socket and the outerconductor basket each having a plurality of axially projecting fingersseparated by a plurality of axial slots; and, an inhibitor interposingthe inner conductor socket and the outer conductor basket and comprisingan insert including a plurality of engagement sections each having asurface disposed substantially normal to a radial projecting from theelongate axis and a plurality of stiffening sections having a surfacedisposed substantially parallel to a radial projecting from the elongateaxis and configured to prevent one of the: (i) insertion of a non-matingconnector between the socket and basket of the other mating connectorand (ii) misalignment of the pair of mating connectors during assemblyof the mating connectors, wherein the insert inhibits plasticdeformation of at least one of the axially projecting fingers of themating connectors and promotes alignment of the mating connectors. 7.The connector of claim 6 wherein the stiffening sections projectradially inward relative to the engagement sections such that thestiffening sections inhibit insertion of a non-mating connector.
 8. Theconnector of claim 7 wherein the stiffening sections are sufficientlyrigid to prevent project radially inward relative to the engagementsections such that the stiffening sections inhibit insertion of anon-mating connector.
 9. The connector of claim 8 wherein the stiffeningsections inhibit plastic deformation of at least one of the axiallyprojecting fingers of the mating connectors and promote alignment of themating connectors.
 10. An insert configured to inhibit plasticdeformation of at least one axially projecting finger of an outerconductor basket associated with an RF connector, comprising: anoutwardly facing flange configured to engage a shoulder formed at a baseof the axially projecting fingers of the outer conductor basket, atubular structure defining an elongate axis and having plurality ofengagement sections extending normal to the outwardly facing flange,each engagement section having a surface disposed substantially normallyto a radial projecting from the elongate axis; and a plurality ofstiffening sections having a surface disposed substantially parallel toa radial projecting from the elongate axis.
 11. The insert of claim 10wherein the outwardly facing flange includes an aperture configured toreceive the axially-projecting fingers of the inner conductor socket.12. The insert of claim 11 wherein each of the engagement sections isarcuate in cross-section and wherein each of the stiffening sections isradially inboard of an adjacent engagement section.
 13. The insert ofclaim 10 wherein each stiffening section is interposed between a pair ofengagement sections.
 14. A method for preventing the inadvertentcoupling improperly or non-mating connector portions, one of theconnector portions having an inner conductor socket for transmitting RFsignals across a connector interface and an outer conductor baskethaving at least one axially projecting finger to electrically ground theconnector portions; the method including the steps of: configuring aninhibitor for insertion between the inner conductor socket and the outerconductor basket to prevent plastic deformation of at least one of theaxially projecting fingers: (i) when promoting alignment of the matingconnector portions, or (ii) to prevent insertion of a non-matingconnector portion, configuring the insert to include an outwardly facingflange to engage a shoulder formed at a base of the axially projectingfingers of the outer conductor basket.
 15. A method for preventing theinadvertent coupling improperly or non-mating connector portions, one ofthe connector portions having an inner conductor socket for transmittingRF signals across a connector interface and an outer conductor baskethaving at least one axially projecting finger to electrically ground theconnector portions; the method including the steps of: configuring aninhibitor for insertion between the inner conductor socket and the outerconductor basket to prevent plastic deformation of at least one of theaxially projecting fingers: (i) when promoting alignment of the matingconnector portions, or (ii) to prevent insertion of a non-matingconnector portion, configuring the insert to include a tubular outerwall projecting normally from the outwardly facing flange, the outerwall defining: (i) a plurality of engagement sections having a surfacedisposed substantially normal to a radial projecting from the elongateaxis, and (ii) a plurality of stiffening sections having a surfacedisposed substantially parallel to a radial projecting from the elongateaxis.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of configuring theinsert to include an outwardly facing flange further includes the stepof defining an aperture to receive the axially-projecting fingers of theinner conductor socket.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the step ofconfiguring the insert to include a tubular outer wall projectingnormally from the outwardly facing flange further includes the step of:configuring each of the engagement sections to be arcuate incross-section and configuring each of the stiffening sections to beradially inboard of an adjacent engagement section.